MODULAR CAMERA TEST STAND

Configure your own test stand according to your needs.

Image Engineering has developed a huge variety of components for camera test stands over the past years. A whole range of products has been constructed from simple chart holders to fully automated production line solutions. Now these components have been put together to form a modular system that can easily be customized for individual requirements. Every customer can configure his own test stand according to his needs. If there is a missing part it can be filled in without constructing a whole new solution. Therefore camera stands can be constructed faster and more cost efficient than ever before.

A camera test stand can be divided into the following basic parts.For each of these parts Image Engineering offers a variety of solutions that can be composed into a complete stand.

CHART MOUNTING

For chart mounting Image Engineering offers different versions from a simple wall and table mount through ahorizontal sliding mount with integrating sphere holder to the manually operated iQ-ChartMount, a vertical sliding chart holder with integrating sphere support. The iQChartMount is also available as a fully automated version. Currently only the vertical chart mount has the potential to be automated.

iQ-ChartMount: vertical & horizontal

CAMERA TO CHART DISTANCE

Image Engineering offers two different systems to adjust the chart camera distance. One is based on a traditional camera stand that consists of a rail and a studio stand with vertical camera adjustment. This system is for manual operation only and large distances can be covered. Image Engineering uses this system with a 28 m rail in our own lab in Cologne. The second one is the iQ-CameraBench, a system based on a linear guide that can be motorized. In principle it can also cover large distances but it requires a certain height to be stable enough for larger cameras. It can also be operated manually.

iQ-CameraBench traditional camera stand

CAMERA POSITIONING

On the traditional camera stand the camera stand itselfis used for vertical camera positioning and a special slide can be obtained if horizontal positioningis required. On the other system thespecial iQ-CameraMount is used for the vertical and horizontal (perpendicular to camera chart axis) camera movement.

iQ-CameraMount

CAMERA TO CHART ALIGNMENT

In order to align the camera to the chart in the simplest way, it is the best to use a 3 way camera head with micro control. Our motorized iQ-CameraAllignRig can be used for automatic alignment. This device is able to turn the camera around pitch and yaw to align it to the chart. An automatic alignment to the chart can be implemented in combination with a live view output of the camera. 3 way camera head iQ-CameraAlignRig

REFLECTIVE CHART ILLUMINATION

Our program currently includes three types of illumination sources for relective charts. They are tungsten halogen lamps that can be fi ltered to daylight conditions (with a diffusor), fluorescent tubes with daylight characteristics (with diffusor) and our lightHead with various light sources that can be controlled from a computer using a USB interface. In order to illuminate test charts using the lightHead two of these heads are needed, which are mounted on stands to achieve a uniform illumination.

iQ-lightHead

fluorescent tubes tungsten halogen lamp

ILLUMINATION TRANSPARENT CHART

The homogeneous light distribution of test targets is the prerequisite for a reliable test result. Image Engineering offers different kinds of illumination devices to ensure a uniform illumination of test charts. LG2 is a light box with fluorescent tubes. LE6 and LE7 work on the principle of an integrating sphere. LE6 is equipped with a halogen bulb.LE7 uses our brand new iQ-LED technology. 2 or 4 iQ-LEDs in the interior of LE7 are available and guarantee a uniform, spectrally adjustable and long lasting illumination of test targets.

LE7 LE6LG2

HOUSING

If the camera test stand is not set up in a special room it is necessary to cover it from stray light and other aspects of the surrounding environment by using a form of housing. This should ideally be decoupled from the stand itself to prevent an impact on the measurement if someone touches the housing. The housing will be constructed individually depending on space requirements and limitations. It can have doors which include an automatic power switch offin case someone opens the door. A simple version of a housing is a framework covered by a tarpaulin.

SOFTWARE

The standard software Image Engineering delivers for camera testing is the iQ-Analyzer. The analysis can also be integrated in custom designed production line software or your own software by using the command line option. Since the automation usually requires interaction of the software with camera and test stand the software can individually be adapted to each camera. The motorized modules of the test stand are controlled using a USB interface and come with a SDK.

ACCESSORIES

On request the stand can be equipped with additional accessories like positioning sensors, illumination measurement or computer with LCD touch panel.

Sample UI on an LCD touch pane

AUTOMATION LIMITS

MODULE

REQUIREMENT

If you want to automate the stand the horizontal chart mount and the traditional camera stand shall not be selected.

The iQ-CameraMount can not be combined with the traditional camera stand.